Intersectoral planning as a prerequisite tool for biological diversity conservation: a study of south-east peat swamp forest, Pahang

A holistic approach has been called upon and agreed by all in promoting biological diversity conservation and addressing the sustainability of forest resources and its associated ecosystems. Within this context, all management actions and related decisions making at the operational level often goes beyond the boundary of the forests and other land uses, therefore, it requires a full swing of inter-sectoral coordination which should begin from the planning level. The paper illustrates an adopted approach embarking into a participatory fashion to develop an integrated management plan (IMP) for the four peat swamp forest reserves (PSF) in South-East Pahang, claimed to be the largest remaining intact PSF in mainland Asia. The IMP should take into account the need for biological diversity conservation and sustainable timber production from forest as well as the livelihood of the Jakun community nearby. In a lengthy consultative planning process, all relevant issues on resourcess, threats and different interests and their implication to current land-use were discussed and elaborated by the stakeholders and then mitigation measures and new zonation were agreed on concensus basis to facilitate state decision-making process. The holistic approach is found to be more effective in promoting better appreciation towards coordination among key players, common understanding and perception over the complex issues, thereby increasing the rate of success and legitimacy of the IMP. Particular attention on landscape perspective and ecosystem approach were also emphasized such that the overall planning developed were adopted as an integral part of the Rancangan Tempatan Daerah (Local District Plan), in line with the requirements under the National Physical Plan.Highlighted in this paper are some lessons learnt as the impacts of developing an integrated management plan. It demonstrates that the reconcilitation of views, concensus building and level of stakeholders commitment are crucial during this process. The Pahang State Forestry Department, State Economic Planning Unit and Town and Country Planning Department played a key-role in this initiative supported by UNDP?GEF Peat Swamp Forests Project (MAL/99/G31) under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Malaysia.